What did Alexander Fleming discover besides penicillin?
In November 1921 Fleming discovered lysozyme, an enzyme present in body fluids such as saliva and tears that has a mild antiseptic effect.
How did Fleming accidentally make his discovery?
Penicillin discovered Often described as a careless lab technician, Fleming returned from a two-week vacation to find that a mold had developed on an accidentally contaminated staphylococcus culture plate. Upon examination of the mold, he noticed that the culture prevented the growth of staphylococci.
Did Alexander Fleming patent penicillin?
Fleming chose not to patent his discovery of penicillin, stating, “I did not invent penicillin. Nature did that. I only discovered it by accident.”Fleming’s goal was to develop a cheap and effective drug that would be available to all the world.
What common medication was discovered by accident?
Warfarin. The blood-thinner, or anticoagulant, was discovered in the 1930s by American biochemist Karl Paul Link. The scientist was approached by a Wisconsin farmer whose cattle were experiencing unexplained haemorrhages. Examining the cattle’s feed, Link discovered that it contained the anticoagulant substance.
How was PCN discovered?
In 1928 Dr Alexander Fleming returned from a holiday to find mould growing on a Petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria. He noticed the mould seemed to be preventing the bacteria around it from growing. He soon identified that the mould produced a self-defence chemical that could kill bacteria.
What discoveries were made by accident?
Here we have a look at ten of the world’s greatest accidental scientific discoveries.
- Penicillin. One of the biggest medicinal breakthroughs in history came about entirely by accident.
- Viagra.
- Plastic.
- The Microwave.
- Vaseline.
- Strikeable Match.
- Gunpowder.
- Mauve.
Why was Alexander Fleming’s discovery important?
The discovery of penicillin was a major medical breakthrough. Penicillin was the first effective antibiotic that could be used to kill bacteria. This meant that cures for serious illnesses were possible even if the patient had the disease.
What did Louis Pasteur discover?
He pioneered the study of molecular asymmetry; discovered that microorganisms cause fermentation and disease; originated the process of pasteurization; saved the beer, wine, and silk industries in France; and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies.